Environmentalist: This Has Been a Vexing Issue for Years

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A local environmentalist, is raising the alarm over suspected copper burning in western New Providence pine forests.

It’s left residents frustrated as they’re greeted with the think stench of smoke every morning. The issue has been brought to light on social media.

A concerned resident shared a video with the Our News Team, shot with a drone. It shows two men burning what appears to be copper, spreading billows of smoke near the Adelaide Community and Frank Watson Boulevard.

Residents say the burning, takes place in the early morning hours, making it difficult to breathe.

President and CEO of One Consultant and environmentalist, Eric Carey says he’s seen the video, adding that he has had to deal with similar situations.

But what impact could this have on the environment and health of residents?

“Obviously it releases carbon dioxide in the air, which is not good for the environment, it adds to the issue of air pollution, eventually it adds to the issue of global warming, green house gases etc. but it also is a significant health risk for people who are downstream of that smoke, because that smoke is often laden with carcinogenic chemicals that people are breathing in,” Carey said.

Care says a lack of governmental enforcement is perhaps the main reason why illegal copper burners get away.

And could residents possibly seek compensation?

“That would have to obviously be their uhh some civil lawsuit,” he said.

“The system can address it and ensure that this is illegal under the environment, planning and protection act. It is illegal to do this type of uncontrolled, unhealthy burning without permits etc. so that aspect can be controlled with enforcement and prosecution fines etc.”